Disregard fake SARS rumour – Oyo Police tell residents

The Oyo State Police Command on Wednesday advised residents of the state to disregard some messages being circulated on social media platforms that fake SARS operatives are robing unsuspecting residents of their belongings in some parts of Ibadan, the state capital.

The command said all hands were on the desk to continue in its efforts in protecting lives and property in the state.

In a statement signed by Adekunle Ajisebutu, Police Public Relations Officer, the state Police command also advised anyone with useful information that could help smash any criminal element that may pose threat to lives and property of law abiding people of Oyo State, to report same to the police and other security agencies.

It also urged residents to call any of the numbers earlier given out by the command or call the Control Room Number via- 08081768614.

The statement reads; “Attention of the Oyo State Police Command has been drawn to a message going viral on social media platforms especially on WhatsApp to the effect that a new gang of four men ‘usually dressed like SARS operatives wearing black T-shirt operating on two bikes with men on each’ going round Ibadan.

“The police has not received such report or any report of serious threat to lives and property recently.

“Our SARS have a peculiar uniform with the inscription ‘F-SARS OYO’ and numbers boldly written on it. The scary message is being circulated by mischief makers to cause fear and apprehension.

“We therefore urge members of the public to disregard the message and go about their legitimate businesses.

“The police and other security agencies in the state are working assiduously to protect lives and property of the citizens as can be seen in the recent plethora of achievements by the Police in terms of arrest of armed robbery/kidnap suspects, recovery of cache of arms and ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles and other stolen property.

“This notwithstanding, the State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Odude, has further directed all Area Commanders, DPOs/HODs , Commanders of Special outfits to intensify aggressive stop and search and vehicle patrol of every nook and cranny of the state.

“However, we advise anyone with useful information that could help smash any criminal element that may pose threat to lives and property of law abiding people of Oyo State to the police and other security agencies.

“Citizens can call any of the numbers earlier given out by the Command or call the Control Room Number – 08081768614. We thank you all”.